Convertible shape control garment

ABSTRACT

An article of clothing having a shape control feature. In one embodiment, the article of clothing may comprise a main body comprising a cavity for receiving a portion of a torso of a wearer and an edge defining an opening into the cavity; a tubular sleeve formed of a shape control material, the tubular sleeve forming a shape control cavity, the tubular sleeve coupled to the main body so that the shape control cavity and the cavity of the main body are in spatial cooperation with one another; and the tubular sleeve extending from the edge of the main body so that at least a portion of a middle torso of the wearer is located within the shape control cavity and circumscribed by the tubular sleeve.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an article of clothing, and more specifically to an article of clothing having a convertible shape control feature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern culture and personas in the media have made ordinary people more self-conscious about their own body images. Thus, people desire to achieve the appearance of a smaller or shapelier middle torso, often without diet or exercise. Shape control garments that provide control to portions of a wearer's body have previously been known. However, previous shape control garments are typically worn as undergarments and they are therefore not suitable for use with a variety of outerwear including aerobic and other exercise wear, swimsuits, tight knit garments, and the like. Thus, a need exists for a shape control outer garment that provides both bottoms and a control material for the middle torso of the wearer in a single garment.

Girdles and foundation garments are intended to provide support not only in the abdominal region, but also in other regions of a wearer's body. Thus, these garments are large and less comfortable than would be necessary for control of a wearer's middle torso only. Furthermore, known shape control garments are intended to provide control to a specific portion of a wearer's body and can not be adapted to provide control to a different portion of a wearer's body if desired. Thus, a need exists for a shape control garment that can be converted to provide control to two or more different sections of a wearer's body. Furthermore, a need exists for a shape control garment that has a built-in adjustability feature that provides shaping to various individuals without sacrificing the functionality or comfort of the garment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-identified needs are satisfied by the present invention, which is directed to an article of clothing having a shape control feature. The article of clothing includes a main body portion for receiving a lower torso of a wearer and a tubular sleeve formed of a shape control material for providing shape control to the wearer's middle torso. The tubular sleeve is convertible between an extended state that provides control to the wearer's entire middle torso and a retracted state that provides extra control to the wearer's midriff.

In one aspect, the invention can be an article of clothing comprising: a main body comprising: a lower torso cavity for receiving a lower torso of a wearer; and a first annular top edge defining a waist opening into the lower torso cavity; a tubular sleeve formed of a shape control material, the tubular sleeve forming a shape control cavity and terminating in a second annular top edge defining a torso opening, the tubular sleeve coupled to the main body so that the shape control cavity and the lower torso cavity are in spatial cooperation with one another; and the tubular sleeve convertible between: (1) an extended state in which said tubular sleeve extends from the first annular top edge of the main body and at least a first portion of a middle torso of the wearer is located within the shape control cavity and circumscribed by the tubular sleeve; and (2) a retracted state in which said tubular sleeve is folded so that the first portion of the middle torso of the wearer is not located within the shape control cavity.

In another aspect, the invention can be an article of clothing comprising: a main body comprising: a lower torso cavity for receiving a lower torso of a wearer; and a first annular top edge defining a waist opening into the lower torso cavity; a tubular sleeve formed of a shape control material, the tubular sleeve forming a shape control cavity and terminating in a second annular top edge defining a torso opening, the tubular sleeve coupled to the main body so that the shape control cavity and the lower torso cavity are in spatial cooperation with one another; and the tubular sleeve extending from the first annular top edge of the main body so that at least a portion of a middle torso of the wearer is located within the shape control cavity and circumscribed by the tubular sleeve.

In yet another aspect, the invention can be an article of clothing comprising: a main body comprising a cavity for receiving a portion of a torso of a wearer and an edge defining an opening into the cavity; a tubular sleeve formed of a shape control material, the tubular sleeve forming a shape control cavity, the tubular sleeve coupled to the main body so that the shape control cavity and the cavity of the main body are in spatial cooperation with one another; and the tubular sleeve extending from the edge of the main body so that at least a portion of a middle torso of the wearer is located within the shape control cavity and circumscribed by the tubular sleeve.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the exemplified embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings in which like elements are labeled similarly.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an article of clothing having a tubular sleeve in an extended state in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IB-IB in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the article of clothing in FIG. 1A with the tubular sleeve in a retracted state.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIB-IIB in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a front view illustrating the article of clothing of FIG. 1A worn on a wearer.

FIG. 3B is a rear view illustrating the article of clothing of FIG. 1A worn on a wearer.

FIG. 3C is a front view illustrating the article of FIG. 2A worn on a wearer.

FIG. 3D is a rear view illustrating the article of clothing of FIG. 2A worn on a wearer.

FIG. 4A is a front schematic view of the article of clothing of FIG. 1A illustrating its dimensions.

FIG. 4B is a rear schematic view of the article of clothing of FIG. 1A illustrating its dimensions.

FIG. 4C is a front schematic view of the article of clothing of FIG. 2A illustrating its dimensions.

FIG. 4D is a rear schematic view of the article of clothing of FIG. 2A illustrating its dimensions.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of an article of clothing having a tubular sleeve in an extended state in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the article of clothing of FIG. 5A with the tubular sleeve in a retracted state.

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of an article of clothing having a tubular sleeve in an extended state in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a front perspective view of the article of clothing of FIG. 6A with the tubular sleeve in a retracted state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

Referring first to FIGS. 1A-2B, an article of clothing 100 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The article of clothing 100 is a shape control garment that is capable of controlling the shape of a wearer's body. The article of clothing 100 provides shape control by being formed of a material having a modulus that exerts a compression force onto the wearer's body. The modulus and other characteristics of the material of the article of clothing 100 will be described in detail below.

In the embodiment exemplified in FIGS. 1A-2B, the article of clothing 100 is illustrated as an article of separates swimwear bottoms. However, the invention is not to be so limited and the article of clothing may take on other forms including, without limitation, a pair of shorts, a pair of pants, a skirt, a piece of intimate apparel, a hosiery, a piece of active wear, sportswear, yoga wear or the like. In other words, the exact nature of the article of clothing 100 is in no way limiting of the present invention unless so specified in the claims. However, as will be better understood from the description below, the article of clothing 100 is preferably intended to be worn on the lower torso of a wearer and has a convertible or extendible feature that extends onto and circumscribes a middle torso of the wearer.

The article of clothing 100 comprises a main body 130 and a tubular sleeve 160. In the exemplified embodiment, the main body 130 is formed by a front panel 131 and a rear panel 132 that are sewn or otherwise coupled together according to known methods in the art. Each of the front and rear panels 131, 132 may be formed by a single panel or by multiple panels as desired. However, in the exemplified embodiment each of the front and rear panels 131, 132 is formed by a single panel. Furthermore, in certain other embodiments, the main body 130 may be formed by a single piece of material rather than two distinct panels as described above. The main body 130 comprises leg openings 133 a, 133 b for inserting a wearer's legs there through. The main body 130 also comprises an annular top edge 134 that defines a waist opening 135 into a lower torso cavity 136. The lower torso cavity 136 is sized, shaped and configured to receive a lower torso of a wearer. Thus, the main body 130 of the article of clothing 100 is designed to be worn on the lower torso of a wearer.

The tubular sleeve 160 may also comprise a front panel and a rear panel, or the tubular sleeve 160 may be formed of a single panel that is sewn together into a tubular shape. The tubular sleeve 160 is formed of a shape control material, the details of which will be described in detail below. In certain embodiments, the main body 130 is formed of the same material as the tubular sleeve 160. However, the invention is not to be so limited and in the exemplified embodiment the main body 130 is formed of a different material than the tubular sleeve 160. For example, the main body 130 may be formed of a conventional separates swimwear material, such as a nylon/spandex combination in a tricot or raschel-type construction, a cotton/LYCRA® combination or a polyester/spandex combination whereas the tubular sleeve 160 is formed of the shape control material described herein below. The tubular sleeve 160 is tubular in shape so that it can circumscribe the entirety of the body or middle torso of a wearer including both the wearer's front or stomach area and the wearer's back. In this manner, the shape control material of the tubular sleeve 160 can compress upon the wearer's body or middle torso in a circumferential manner to control the shape of the wearer's body or middle torso and provide the wearer with a desired appearance.

In the exemplified embodiment, the tubular sleeve 160 is coupled to the main body 130 at the annular top edge 134 of the main body 130. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and the tubular sleeve 160 can be coupled to the main body 130 at other positions, such as just below or adjacent to the annular top edge 134 of the main body 130. The tubular sleeve 160 is non-removably coupled to the main body 130, such as by sewing or other means known in the art. Thus, the article of clothing 100 is free of mechanisms that would enable the tubular sleeve 160 to be removably coupled to the main body 130, such as adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps or the like. In the exemplified embodiment, seam lines 137 are illustrated to indicate the attachment of the tubular sleeve 160 to the main body 130.

The tubular sleeve 160 forms a shape control cavity 166 and comprises an annular top edge 164 at a distal end 161 thereof. The annular top edge 164 of the tubular sleeve 160 defines a torso opening 165 that creates a passageway into the shape control cavity 166. The torso opening 165 is configured for insertion of a wearer's torso there through so that the wearer's torso or a portion thereof as described below can be received within the shape control cavity 166. The coupling or the tubular sleeve 160 to the main body 130 is accomplished so that the shape control cavity 166 of the tubular sleeve 160 is in spatial cooperation with the lower torso cavity 136 of the main body 130. The article of clothing 100 comprises a longitudinal axis A-A extending along its length from the distal end 161 of the tubular sleeve to a bottom end 139 of the main body 130.

The tubular sleeve 160 portion of the article of clothing 100 is convertible between an extended state (exemplified in FIG. 1A) and a retracted state (exemplified in FIG. 2A). When in the extended state, the tubular sleeve 160 is extended to its full length and is not folded. In the retracted state, the tubular sleeve 160 is folded upon itself at a midpoint 167 of the tubular sleeve 160 along its length (i.e., along the longitudinal axis A-A) (exemplified in FIG. 2B). However, in certain other embodiments, in the retracted state the tubular sleeve 160 may be folded upon itself more than once, or the tubular sleeve 160 may be folded at the seam line 137. In other words, the material of the tubular sleeve 160 enables the tubular sleeve 160 to be folded by a wearer in countless different manners for shape control at any desired portion of the wearer's torso and/or for a desired level of comfort.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3D, the article of clothing 100 is illustrated being worn by a wearer 180. In FIGS. 3A and 3B. the article of clothing 100 is illustrated with the tubular sleeve 160 in the extended state and in FIGS. 3C and 3D the article of clothing 100 is illustrated with the tubular sleeve 160 in the retracted state. Referring first to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in the extended state at least a first portion 182 of a middle torso 181 of the wearer 180 is located within the shape control cavity 166 and circumscribed by the tubular sleeve 160. Thus, in the extended state the tubular sleeve 160 provides shape control or support to the middle torso 181 of the wearer 180 including the first portion 182 of the middle torso 181.

In the exemplified embodiment, the middle torso 181 of the wearer 180 is the portion of the wearer's body that is located between the annular top edge 134 of the main portion 130 and the wearer's breasts. However, the invention is not to be so limited and in other embodiments the middle torso 181 can be any portion of the wearer's body that is circumscribed by the tubular sleeve 160 when the article of clothing 100 is being worn by the wearer 180 and the tubular sleeve 160 is in the extended state.

Referring to FIGS. 3C and 3D, the article of clothing 100 is illustrated on the wearer 180 with the tubular sleeve 160 in the retracted state. When the tubular sleeve 160 is in the retracted state, the tubular sleeve 160 is folded so that the first portion 182 of the middle torso 181 of the wearer 180 is not located within the shape control cavity 166. Thus, in the retracted state, the tubular sleeve 160 does not circumscribe the first portion 182 of the middle torso 181 of the wearer 180.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first portion 182 of the middle torso 181 is an under bust portion of the wearer 180. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and in certain other embodiments the first portion 182 can be a portion of the middle torso 181 that is lower on the wearer's middle torso 181 than the under bust portion of the wearer 180. However, regardless of what specific portion of the middle torso 181 is considered the first portion 182, the first portion 182 of the middle torso 181 of the wearer 180 is not located within the shape control cavity 166 of the tubular sleeve 160 when the tubular sleeve 160 is in the retracted state.

In the exemplified embodiment, when the tubular sleeve 160 is in the retracted state, a second portion 183 of the middle torso 181 remains located within the shape control cavity 166. Thus, the second portion 183 of the middle torso 181 is located within the shape control cavity 166 both when the tubular sleeve 160 is in the extended state and in the retracted state. In the exemplified embodiment, the second portion 183 of the middle torso 181 is a midriff portion of the middle torso 181 of the wearer 180. Thus, in the retracted state the tubular sleeve 160 provides extra shape control or support to the second portion 183 (i.e., the midriff portion) of the wearer 180. However, in other embodiments the second portion 183 of the middle torso 181 can be a larger or smaller section of the wearer's middle torso 181 than that illustrated. Further still, in some embodiments where the tubular sleeve 160 is folded at the seam line 137 in the retracted state, the tubular sleeve 160 will fully overlap the main portion 130. In such an embodiment, there will be no portion of the middle torso 181 of the wearer 180 located within the shape control cavity 166 when the tubular sleeve 160 is in the retracted state. However, in such an embodiment the tubular sleeve 160 will provide additional support to a portion of the wearer's lower torso, such as the same portion of the wearer's body as is circumscribed by the main body 130 of the article of clothing 100.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the shape of the tubular sleeve 160 will be described in more detail. The tubular sleeve 160 of the article of clothing 100 can be conceptualized as having a lower portion 170, a middle portion 171 and an upper portion 172. The lower portion 170 of the tubular sleeve 160 is the portion of the tubular sleeve 160 that is coupled to the main body 130 at the seam line 137. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment, the middle portion 171 of the tubular sleeve 160 is tapered relative to the lower and upper sections 170, 172. More specifically, the tubular sleeve 160 tapers inwardly from the seam line 137 to the middle portion 171 and then tapers back outwardly from the middle portion 172 to the distal end 161 of the tubular sleeve 160. The degree of the taper will be better understood from the dimensions below.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D concurrently, the dimensions of one embodiment of the article of clothing 100 will be described in more detail. Specifically, FIGS. 4A and 413 illustrate the relative dimensions of the article of clothing 100 when the tubular sleeve 160 is in the extended state and FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate the relative dimensions of the article of clothing 100 when the tubular sleeve 160 is in the retracted state. The dimensions illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B are provided in Table 1 below and the dimensions illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D are provided in Table 2 below. Of course, it should be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the dimensions provided below. Rather, the dimensions provided in Tables 1 and 2 below are merely the dimensions of one exemplified embodiment of the invention.

TABLE 1 A B C D E F G H I J K Length (in) 19⅜ 19¾ 19½ 19⅛ 8 4⅝ 19¾ 4¼ 16⅝ 16 19

TABLE 2 A B C D E F G H I J Length (in) 19⅜ 19⅛ 19¾ 3⅜ 4⅝ 4¼ 15 14⅝ 16 14

As discussed above, the tubular sleeve 160 is formed of a shape control material in order to give support to specific portions of a wearer's middle torso as described above. The shape control material of the tubular sleeve 160 has a weight in a range of 7.0 oz/yd² to 8.0 oz/yd², and More specifically the weight of the tubular sleeve 160 is approximately 7.5 oz/yd². Furthermore, in certain embodiments the shape control material of the tubular sleeve 160 comprises between 50 wt % to 60 wt % nylon and between 40 wt % and 50 wt % spandex, and more specifically 54 wt % nylon and 46 wt % spandex. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and the shape control material of the tubular sleeve 160 can be formed of a nylon/spandex combination in percentages other than those disclosed above or can be formed of a single material or combinations of materials other than nylon and spandex. The fabric of the tubular sleeve 160 is preferably a circular knit or a warp knit fabric, although other types of knit fabrics can be used in certain embodiments.

The material or fabric of the tubular sleeve 160 is contemplated to include a modulus that produces a relatively flat stress-strain curve when compared to conventional materials or fabrics. More specifically, the material of the tubular sleeve 160 has a combination of a high stretch, high modulus and a relatively flat stress-strain curve that results in an article of clothing having shape control features and a comfortable fit.

The fabric for the tubular sleeve 160 has a high stretch in the length and width directions. For purposes of clarity, the length direction will be described herein as the axial direction and the width direction will be referred to herein as the transverse direction. Thus, the length/axial direction is the direction of the tubular sleeve 160 as it extends along the longitudinal axis A-A (or lengthwise across a wearer's body when it is being worn) and the width/transverse direction is the direction of the tubular sleeve 160 as it extends transverse to the longitudinal axis A-A (or widthwise across a wearer's body when it is being worn). The stretch of the fabric is determined by performing a stretching test using the fabric and a tensile cartridge of a Zwick Microprocessor DYP type machine to determine the constant rate of elongation (CRE) of the fabric at a specific load. Using the CRE comparison loop method test performed on the Zwick machine using a 3″×10″ loop and a thirty (30) pound effective load, the fabric of the tubular sleeve 160 has a Zwick stretch in the axial direction of between 147% and 167%, and more specifically approximately 157% and a Zwick stretch in the transverse direction of between 182% and 202%, and more specifically approximately 192%. The Zwick stretch percentages provided above were taken at the third outgoing curve so that some of the finishes of the fabric are broken down. The third outgoing curve provides an adequate representation of the stretch that the wearer will feel when he/she is wearing the article of clothing 100.

As noted above, the fabric for the tubular sleeve 160 also comprises a relatively flat stress-strain curve, which is the curve of the modulus of the fabric taken at 30%, 50% and 70% elongation. The modulus of the fabric is the holding power of the fabric in one direction taken in pounds. In other words, for example, the modulus of the fabric taken at 30% elongation is the amount, in pounds, that the fabric will pull back in a direction opposite the direction that the fabric is being stretched/elongated.

As described above with regard to the stretch, the length modulus of the fabric will be referred to herein as the axial modulus of the fabric and the width modulus of the fabric will be referred to herein as the circumferential modulus of the fabric. Thus, the length modulus is the modulus of the fabric taken along the longitudinal axis A-A of the article of clothing 100 and the width modulus is the modulus of the fabric taken transverse to the longitudinal axis. Because the tubular sleeve 160 is tubular in shape and is worn around the middle torso of a wearer, the modulus taken transverse to the longitudinal axis is the holding power of the fabric around the circumference of the tubular sleeve 160 (i.e., the circumferential modulus). The axial modulus and the circumferential modulus of the fabric used to form the tubular sleeve 160 in an exemplified embodiment of the invention can be found in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Elongation Axial Modulus Circumferential Modulus (%) (lbs) (lbs) 30 1.82 1.35 50 3.27 2.39 70 4.71 3.40

The axial and circumferential moduli listed in Table 3 above are merely those for an exemplified embodiment, and the invention is not to be limited by those particular modulus measurements. Thus, the values listed in Table 3 above are approximate values and the actual values of the axial and circumferential moduli may vary slightly from the above listed values. Specifically, the fabric of the tubular sleeve 160 of the invention can be described as having a circumferential modulus X1 at 30% elongation, a circumferential modulus X2 at 50% elongation and a circumferential modulus X3 as 70% elongation, such that X1 is in a range of 1.2 lbs. to 1.5 lbs., preferably 1.25 lbs. to 1.45 lbs., X2 is in a range of 2.1 lbs. to 2.7 lbs., preferably 2.3 lbs. to 2.5 lbs. and X3 is in a range of 3.0 lbs. to 3.8 lbs., preferably 3.3 lbs. to 3.5 lbs. Similarly the fabric of the tubular sleeve 160 of the invention can be described as having an axial modulus Y1 at 30% elongation, an axial modulus Y2 at 50% elongation, and an axial modulus Y3 at 70% elongation, such that Y1 is in a range of 1.6 lbs. to 2.1 lbs., preferably 1.7 lbs. to 1.9 lbs., Y2 is in a range of 2.9 lbs. to 3.6 lbs., preferably 3.2 lbs. to 3.4 lbs. and Y3 is in a range of 4.0 to 5.2 lbs., preferably 4.0 lbs. to 5.0 lbs.

Thus, in view of the above values for the modulus, a ratio of X2:X1 is in a range of 1.5 to 2.0, and more specifically approximately 1.77, a ratio of X3:X1 is in a range of 2.0 to 3.0, and more specifically approximately 2.51, and a ratio of X3:X2 is in a range of 1.2 to 1.7, and more specifically approximately 1.42. Furthermore, a ratio of Y2:Y1 is in a range of 1.7 to 1.9, and more specifically approximately 1.8, a ratio of Y3:Y1 is in a range of 2.5 to 2.7, and more specifically approximately 2.59 and a ratio of Y3:Y2 is in a range of 1.35 to 1.55, and more specifically approximately 1.44.

As has been described above, the tubular sleeve 160 is convertible between an extended state and a retracted state. Due to the compression forces of the circumferential modulus of the fabric that forms the tubular sleeve 160, the shape control material of the tubular sleeve 160 is able to self-support the tubular sleeve 160 in the extended state by virtue of the circumferential modulus exerting a compression force on the middle torso of the wearer. Thus, the tubular sleeve 160 can be converted between the extended and retracted states without the need for any additional fastening mechanisms, such as buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, adhesives or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an article of clothing 200 is illustrated according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The article of clothing 200 comprises a main portion 230 and a tubular sleeve 260. The article of clothing 200 is identical to the article of clothing 100 in all respects except that in the article of clothing 200 the main portion 230 is a skirt rather than a separates bathing suit bottom. Thus, the entirety of the description above with regard to FIGS. 1A-3D applies similarly to FIGS. 5A and 5B except that the main portion 230 is a skirt. The tubular sleeve 260 is illustrated in the extended state in FIG. 5A and in the retracted state in FIG. 5B.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an article of clothing 300 is illustrated according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The article of clothing 300 comprises a main portion 330 and a tubular sleeve 360. The article of clothing 200 is identical to the article of clothing 100 in all respects except that in the article of clothing 300 the main portion 330 is a pair of shirts rather than a separates bathing suit bottom. Thus, the entirety of the description above with regard to FIGS. 1A-3D applies similarly to FIGS. 6A and 6B except that the main portion 330 is a pair of shorts. The tubular sleeve 360 is illustrated in the extended state in FIG. 6A and in the retracted state in FIG. 6B. As described above, the invention is not limited to being a separates bathing suit bottom, a skirt or a pair of shorts, but can be any other type of garment as has been described herein above.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims. 

1. An article of clothing comprising: a main body comprising: a lower torso cavity for receiving a lower torso of a wearer; and a first annular top edge defining a waist opening into the lower torso cavity: a tubular sleeve formed of a shape control material, the tubular sleeve forming a shape control cavity and terminating in a second annular top edge defining a torso opening, the tubular sleeve coupled to the main body so that the shape control cavity and the lower torso cavity are in spatial cooperation with one another; and the tubular sleeve convertible between: (1) an extended state in which said tubular sleeve extends from the first annular top edge of the main body and at least a first portion of a middle torso of the wearer is located within the shape control cavity and circumscribed by the tubular sleeve; and (2) a retracted state in which said tubular sleeve is folded so that the first portion of the middle torso of the wearer is not located within the shape control cavity.
 2. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve has a circumferential modulus of X1 at 30% and a circumferential modulus of X2 at 50%, wherein a ratio of X2:X1 is in a range of 1.5 to 2.0.
 3. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve has a circumferential modulus of X1 at 30% and a circumferential modulus of X3 at 70%, wherein a ratio of X3:X1 is in a range of 2.0 to 3.0.
 4. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve has a circumferential modulus of X1 at 30%, a circumferential modulus of X2 at 50%, a circumferential modulus of X3 at 70%, and wherein X1 is in a range of 1.2 lbs. to 1.5 lbs., X2 is in a range of 2.1 lbs. to 2.7 lbs., and X3 is in a range of
 3. lbs. to 3.8 lbs.
 5. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve has an axial modulus of Y1 at 30% and an axial modulus of Y2 at 50%, wherein a ratio of Y2:Y1 is in a range of 1.7 to 1.9.
 6. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve has an axial modulus of Y1 at 30% and an axial modulus of Y3 at 70%, wherein a ratio of Y3:Y1 is in a range of 2.5 to 2.7.
 7. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve has an axial modulus of Y1 at 30%, an axial modulus of Y2 at 50%, an axial modulus of Y3 at 70%, and wherein Y1 is in a range of 1.6 lbs. to 2.1 lbs., Y2 is in a range of 2.9 lbs. to 3.6 lbs., and Y3 is in a range of 4.0 lbs. to 5.2 lbs.
 8. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve is a circular knit fabric or a warp knit fabric.
 9. The article of clothing of claim 9 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve has a weight in a range of 7.0 oz/yd² to 8.0 oz/yd².
 10. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve comprises between 50 wt % to 60 wt % nylon and between 40 wt % to 50 wt % spandex.
 11. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve has a circumferential modulus, and wherein the shape control material self-supports the tubular sleeve in the extended state by virtue of the circumferential modulus exerting a compression force on the middle torso of the wearer.
 12. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein said main body is in the form of a swimsuit bottom, a pair of shorts, a pair of pants, a skirt, a piece of intimate apparel or a hosiery.
 13. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the middle torso is an under bust portion of the wearer.
 14. The article clothing of 13 wherein when the tubular sleeve is in the retracted state, a second portion of the middle torso remains located within the shape control cavity, and wherein the second portion of the middle torso is a midriff portion of the wearer.
 15. The article of clothing of claim 14 wherein the tubular sleeve is folded upon itself in the retracted state and circumscribes the midriff portion of the wearer.
 16. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the tubular sleeve comprises a lower portion, a middle portion, and an upper portion, and wherein the lower portion is coupled to the main body and the middle portion is tapered relative to the lower and upper portions.
 17. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the tubular sleeve is sewn to the main body.
 18. The article of clothing of claim 17 wherein the main body is formed of a different material than the tubular sleeve.
 19. An article of clothing comprising: a main body comprising: a lower torso cavity for receiving a lower torso of a wearer; and a first annular top edge defining a waist opening into the lower torso cavity; a tubular sleeve formed of a shape control material, the tubular sleeve forming a shape control cavity and terminating in a second annular top edge defining a torso opening, the tubular sleeve coupled to the main body so that the shape control cavity and the lower torso cavity are in spatial cooperation with one another; and the tubular sleeve extending from the first annular top edge of the main body so that at least a portion of a middle torso of the wearer is located within the shape control cavity and circumscribed by the tubular sleeve.
 20. The article of clothing of claim 19 wherein the portion of the middle torso is a midriff portion of the wearer.
 21. The article of clothing of claim 20 wherein the tubular sleeve is folded over itself and can be unfolded to circumscribe an under bust portion of the wearer.
 22. The article of clothing of claim 19 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve has a circumferential modulus of X1 at 30% and a circumferential modulus of X3 at 70%, wherein a ratio of X3:X1 is in a range of 2.0 to 3.0.
 23. The article of clothing of claim 19 wherein the shape control material of the tubular sleeve has a circumferential modulus, and wherein the shape control material self-supports the tubular sleeve about the portion of the middle torso by virtue of the circumferential modulus exerting a compression force on the portion of the middle torso of the wearer.
 24. An article of clothing comprising: a main body comprising a cavity for receiving a portion of a torso of a wearer and an edge defining an opening into the cavity; a tubular sleeve formed of a shape control material, the tubular sleeve forming a shape control cavity, the tubular sleeve coupled to the main body so that the shape control cavity and the cavity of the main body are in spatial cooperation with one another; and the tubular sleeve extending from the edge of the main body so that at least a portion of a middle torso of the wearer is located within the shape control cavity and circumscribed by the tubular sleeve. 